There is palpable tension in Warri, Delta State, as one person was reportedly shot dead on Tuesday evening amid renewed hostilities between the Ijaw and Itsekiri.
At the time of filing this report, gunfire could still be heard across Warri. Residents, including both Itsekiri and Ijaw youths, were fleeing in panic, while the police were reportedly absent from the scene.
The Ijaw youths claimed the victim was their kinsman and alleged that he was shot by an Itsekiri counterpart.
The incident follows accusations by the Ijaw youths that policemen from the Warri Area Command pulled down billboards commemorating the 10th coronation anniversary of the Pere of Ogbe-Ijoh, HRM Monbene III.
The billboards, which were displayed at strategic locations across the town, were allegedly removed by the police, prompting the Ijaw youths to stage a protest at the Warri Area Command.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, told DAILY POST in Warri, “nobody died during the incident.”
According to the Police spokesperson, one person sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
He added that the Delta State Police Command had deployed personnel to Warri to forestall any further breakdown of law and order.
CP Olufemi Abaniwonda also called on the Ijaw and Itsekiri leaders to prevail on their youths to calm down and adhere to the laws of the land.
Tension rises in Warri as Ijaw and Itsekiri clash, one feared dead
